What camera gear do you use?
That depends on what I'm shooting! I've been known to use all manner of equipment, from 4x5 view cameras (the kind where you have to put a cloth over your head and look at an upside-down, backwards image!) ...to the latest high-tech digital SLRs. I stil enjoy shooting film, especially slide film in the outdoors, not because film is better than digital or anything, just because it's fun.
For my work, which includes wedding photography, portraits, events and theater, I shoot exclusively with digital SLRs. Usually I work with the Nikon system, but I've been spotted with both Nikon and Canon DSLRs around my neck all at once. Whatever gets the job done!
I really don't hold an opinion about which camera system is better, or concerning "cropped sensors" versus "full frame sensors"... The bottom line is that every DSLR on the market today is fantastic and can deliver very professional results, it just depends on what you need and how you prefer your controls to be laid out.
Click HERE for more info on camera gear specifically, including assorted tests and opinions...
Two things I want to always stress about gear, though, and this is sort of a catch-22 that we all have to deal with:
First, never think your camera isn't good enough and that you really need to upgrade in order to take better pictures. Because unless you're into photographing fighter jets or humming birds, chances are that your camera is capable of much more than you are, all you need to do is learn how to master the camera! I've taken most of the photos you see with a cheap, old, Nikon D70...
Second, avoid cheap "support" equipment. This is not really about taking better pictures, it's about saving you money in the long run. I know that a nice tripod or a nice camera bag is just nowhere near as exciting as a new camera body or lens, but your investment will pay off in the long run. That nice camera bag will protect your camea bodies and lenses, and that nice tripod, well it won't break in a few months like the cheap one will, not to mention that it will give you the sharpest pictures you've ever taken...
Spend $100-200 or more on a decent camera bag or hard case. Spend $200 minimum for an aluminum tripod, and expect to start at $350 for a half-decent carbon fiber model. And TRY to avoid cheap plastic zoom lenses under $300, unless you are highly skilled at taking perfect care of your gear...
And ALWAYS remember to "just go take some pictures" as often as you can...
That depends on what I'm shooting! I've been known to use all manner of equipment, from 4x5 view cameras (the kind where you have to put a cloth over your head and look at an upside-down, backwards image!) ...to the latest high-tech digital SLRs. I stil enjoy shooting film, especially slide film in the outdoors, not because film is better than digital or anything, just because it's fun.
For my work, which includes wedding photography, portraits, events and theater, I shoot exclusively with digital SLRs. Usually I work with the Nikon system, but I've been spotted with both Nikon and Canon DSLRs around my neck all at once. Whatever gets the job done!
I really don't hold an opinion about which camera system is better, or concerning "cropped sensors" versus "full frame sensors"... The bottom line is that every DSLR on the market today is fantastic and can deliver very professional results, it just depends on what you need and how you prefer your controls to be laid out.
Click HERE for more info on camera gear specifically, including assorted tests and opinions...
Two things I want to always stress about gear, though, and this is sort of a catch-22 that we all have to deal with:
First, never think your camera isn't good enough and that you really need to upgrade in order to take better pictures. Because unless you're into photographing fighter jets or humming birds, chances are that your camera is capable of much more than you are, all you need to do is learn how to master the camera! I've taken most of the photos you see with a cheap, old, Nikon D70...
Second, avoid cheap "support" equipment. This is not really about taking better pictures, it's about saving you money in the long run. I know that a nice tripod or a nice camera bag is just nowhere near as exciting as a new camera body or lens, but your investment will pay off in the long run. That nice camera bag will protect your camea bodies and lenses, and that nice tripod, well it won't break in a few months like the cheap one will, not to mention that it will give you the sharpest pictures you've ever taken...
Spend $100-200 or more on a decent camera bag or hard case. Spend $200 minimum for an aluminum tripod, and expect to start at $350 for a half-decent carbon fiber model. And TRY to avoid cheap plastic zoom lenses under $300, unless you are highly skilled at taking perfect care of your gear...
And ALWAYS remember to "just go take some pictures" as often as you can...
What camera gear do you use?
That depends on what I'm shooting! I've been known to use all manner of equipment, from 4x5 view cameras (the kind where you have to put a cloth over your head and look at an upside-down, backwards image!) ...to the latest high-tech digital SLRs. I stil enjoy shooting film, especially slide film in the outdoors, not because film is better than digital or anything, just because it's fun.
For my work, which includes wedding photography, portraits, events and theater, I shoot exclusively with digital SLRs. Usually I work with the Nikon system, but I've been spotted with both Nikon and Canon DSLRs around my neck all at once. Whatever gets the job done!
I really don't hold an opinion about which camera system is better, or concerning "cropped sensors" versus "full frame sensors"... The bottom line is that every DSLR on the market today is fantastic and can deliver very professional results, it just depends on what you need and how you prefer your controls to be laid out.
Click HERE for more info on camera gear specifically, including assorted tests and opinions...
Two things I want to always stress about gear, though, and this is sort of a catch-22 that we all have to deal with:
First, never think your camera isn't good enough and that you really need to upgrade in order to take better pictures. Because unless you're into photographing fighter jets or humming birds, chances are that your camera is capable of much more than you are, all you need to do is learn how to master the camera! I've taken most of the photos you see with a cheap, old, Nikon D70...
Second, avoid cheap "support" equipment. This is not really about taking better pictures, it's about saving you money in the long run. I know that a nice tripod or a nice camera bag is just nowhere near as exciting as a new camera body or lens, but your investment will pay off in the long run. That nice camera bag will protect your camea bodies and lenses, and that nice tripod, well it won't break in a few months like the cheap one will, not to mention that it will give you the sharpest pictures you've ever taken...
Spend $100-200 or more on a decent camera bag or hard case. Spend $200 minimum for an aluminum tripod, and expect to start at $350 for a half-decent carbon fiber model. And TRY to avoid cheap plastic zoom lenses under $300, unless you are highly skilled at taking perfect care of your gear...
And ALWAYS remember to "just go take some pictures" as often as you can...
That depends on what I'm shooting! I've been known to use all manner of equipment, from 4x5 view cameras (the kind where you have to put a cloth over your head and look at an upside-down, backwards image!) ...to the latest high-tech digital SLRs. I stil enjoy shooting film, especially slide film in the outdoors, not because film is better than digital or anything, just because it's fun.
For my work, which includes wedding photography, portraits, events and theater, I shoot exclusively with digital SLRs. Usually I work with the Nikon system, but I've been spotted with both Nikon and Canon DSLRs around my neck all at once. Whatever gets the job done!
I really don't hold an opinion about which camera system is better, or concerning "cropped sensors" versus "full frame sensors"... The bottom line is that every DSLR on the market today is fantastic and can deliver very professional results, it just depends on what you need and how you prefer your controls to be laid out.
Click HERE for more info on camera gear specifically, including assorted tests and opinions...
Two things I want to always stress about gear, though, and this is sort of a catch-22 that we all have to deal with:
First, never think your camera isn't good enough and that you really need to upgrade in order to take better pictures. Because unless you're into photographing fighter jets or humming birds, chances are that your camera is capable of much more than you are, all you need to do is learn how to master the camera! I've taken most of the photos you see with a cheap, old, Nikon D70...
Second, avoid cheap "support" equipment. This is not really about taking better pictures, it's about saving you money in the long run. I know that a nice tripod or a nice camera bag is just nowhere near as exciting as a new camera body or lens, but your investment will pay off in the long run. That nice camera bag will protect your camea bodies and lenses, and that nice tripod, well it won't break in a few months like the cheap one will, not to mention that it will give you the sharpest pictures you've ever taken...
Spend $100-200 or more on a decent camera bag or hard case. Spend $200 minimum for an aluminum tripod, and expect to start at $350 for a half-decent carbon fiber model. And TRY to avoid cheap plastic zoom lenses under $300, unless you are highly skilled at taking perfect care of your gear...
And ALWAYS remember to "just go take some pictures" as often as you can...
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